May Day: Expect major transit service disruptions Monday, May 1

Transit riders should prepare for significant traffic delays and rerouted buses in downtown Seattle on Monday, May 1, especially during the afternoon and evening commute, as dozens of Metro and Sound Transit routes will be temporarily rerouted or intermittently delayed during May Day events. Seattle First Hill and South Lake Union streetcar service also will be affected on May 1 as a result of planned marches.

As city streets temporarily close as a result of planned May Day activities, certain Metro Transit buses will be rerouted; others will face delays starting midday and likely well into the evening.

Bus rolling slowdowns or temporary short-term reroutes will be implemented as needed for all other expected and unexpected demonstrations, marches and rallies, managed by transit chiefs using information from Seattle Police Department, Seattle Emergency Operations Center and the Metro Transit Control Center.

First Hill Streetcar service is expected to be disrupted during the day, and part of the route will not be served while marchers are on the street.

South Lake Union Streetcar service might be disrupted by a march expected to occur between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. As a result, streetcar service will be halted at 9 a.m. after the end of the morning peak service, with cars tentatively scheduled to return to the base yard until supervisors determine service can be reliably restored.

Link light rail service will operate more three-car trains during the day.

What do riders need to know?

All bus service that travels near or through the downtown Seattle area might be subject to delays during and after Monday afternoon’s events. Bus riders are advised to plan ahead for longer trips, revise travel plans if necessary and allow plenty of travel time.

Though we’ll try to keep bus service moving, if demonstrations temporarily block a street, buses will have to wait until traffic begins moving again. Safety is Metro’s top priority.

If gridlock happens, predicted arrival times on apps and real-time signs will not be accurate in estimating when buses will be at stops.